by Beth Mikell
She grabbed her dishtowel and took a swat at him, “Behave,” she said with a smile before looking at Savannah. “Hi there. I’m Annabelle, Mr. Montgomery’s housekeeper.”
Savannah recognized her as the woman that interrupted them all those weeks ago during their illustrious strip poker game. She was short, round with an easy, welcoming smile.
“Don’t mind these two,” Annabelle continued, pushing her short gray hair behind her ear, “They act like large children most of the time.”
“Hey! I’m nineteen—almost twenty.” Jagger pointed out with a mock pout, but jumped back as Annabelle took another swipe at him with her towel.
Savannah just continued to watch the pair, unsettled…yet somehow comforted by the display.
“I wanted to ask if there is something particular you enjoy eating? Or not eating?” Annabelle asked.
Nervously, Savannah picked at the blanket over her lap, all eyes riveted on her for an answer, but it was Hex’s shuttered gaze that made her flinch under pressure. He seemed to be studying her—impatient for her reply. “Well, I—I haven’t been eating well. Mainly, green tea, chicken soup and mangos.” She shrugged, reaching up to toss her ponytail over her shoulder, unable to look at Hex.
Jagger grimaced, “Ewe sounds terrible. Careful, you might be pregnant.”
She paled. Savannah hadn’t thought far enough into the current future about announcing their impending child.
Hex made a move to speak, but Annabelle saved the day swatting the younger man with her towel. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”
Jagger held up his hands, “I’m going…I’m going,” he complained and left with his laughter still ringing in the air.
Annabelle pushed another strand of short gray hair behind her ear, “Sorry about that. Now, I make the best homemade chicken and dumplings this side of Atlanta. Or my husband says. I’ll just go whip it up.”
Still nervous, Savannah looked only at the housekeeper, “Please, don’t go to any trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” Annabelle said with a warm smile and left.
After her departure, the silence hung very heavy, unbearable. Hex squat next to her, watching her intently. Worry ate at him, his blue eyes searching over her face, “Are you okay? Are you hungry?”
“No, I’m good and I’ll be fine. Now I know why I’ve been sick these last few weeks.”
He continued to stare, “Tell me whatever you need and I’ll get it, princess.”
Damn him. He couldn’t be so warm and so nice…and her warden—the three didn’t mesh. Part of her demanded inner patience so perhaps he would learn to trust her. The worst feeling in the world was that his graciousness stemmed only for the sake of their child. Would he ever see beyond distrust? Would he ever see her as a woman again?
She nodded her head towards him, “Thank you. I think I’d like to rest a little.” Damn, but his closeness unnerved her—his heat enticing and ‘oh so’ inviting. The thought of him gathering her close so she could rest her back up against his chest filled her with breath stopping longing.
Hex surprised her by reaching up to caress her face with the back of his hand. She tried not to relish the warmth of his skin or the intensity of his blue eyes, but she did. However small the affection, her body clamored after it like a starved woman. The only words clogging her throat were…hold me. But, did she say them? Not a chance in hell. She couldn’t relinquish her pride just yet…not even close.
“I have to go out for a little while, but I’ll be back by dinner.”
He drew a deep breath and his lips moved as if he wanted to say something more, but he didn’t and as quick as he touched her, the contact vanished and he was gone.
Left alone in the unfamiliar surroundings with even more unfamiliar circumstances, Savannah tried to make peace with herself…or at least reconcile herself to a fate she never knew existed. Inside her uncertainty, she slept.
~~~
The ringing of a distant phone woke Savannah out of a deep sleep and a voice speaking penetrated her exhaustion. Hex. How long she slept, she didn’t know and not a clock in sight, but darkness through the windows indicated a while.
She shifted, trying to sit up, the movement pulling against her cast and shooting pain up her leg, she bit her lip. Damn heels. There was a reason she never wore heels around her construction sites, proof positive at her casted ankle. Plus with her pregnancy, she could only take Tylenol, though the doctor said he could give her something stronger for a short time, but she declined. She had no idea about pregnancy, but she knew enough that prescription drugs and alcohol weren’t on the approved list.
Her stomach growled in hunger and she needed the bathroom something fierce. How was she to go? God…the torture of imagining Hex helping her made her face flame. She turned her head to the side and saw crutches leaned up against the wall, perfect. But, perfectly out of reach.
Before she could call out, Hex appeared and came right over to her and bent down again, his eyes roving over her, anxiously. “Hey, how are you feeling?”
Her previous body assessment already proved she was feeling sucky. “Not great.” She shoved her ponytail back over her shoulder. “But, okay.” How lame an answer was that?
“Annabelle made some chicken and dumplings for you. Do you feel up to trying it?” She nodded, “Yes, but…I…” she trailed off embarrassed, blushing.
Hex understood her. “I’ll help you, princess.” He threw back the afghan back.
“No wait—” she began to protest.
He ignored her, sliding her up easily in his arms, lifting her high on his chest and her arms glided up around his neck. Hex took her up the stairs, straight through to a very large bedroom, not stopping until he cleared the bathroom. “Ease down on your good leg,” he said, allowing her body to slither down over his—the action sent a shockwave of desire right through him, but he capped it. Now wasn’t the time, though she called to him on every level imaginable. He simply held her between his hands in a firm but loose hold.
She obeyed him as he set her down on her right foot, holding her until she balanced…yet she couldn’t look up at him. She was a woman used to managing the toughest group of seasoned construction workers ever handed, she could put an ornery vendor in their place by a mere ‘fuck you’ stare, but the thought of doing her bathroom business in front of Hex, threatened her sense of shame.
“Look to the side, princess.”
She did and found he installed special handles on either side of the toilet so she could easily get up and down herself. He…just couldn’t be that thoughtful? Could he? She found herself without anything to say. She met his gaze, her lips parted in surprise. “You…did that for me?”
Hex smiled, his face transforming from remote detachment to handsome—almost sheepish. “Yes. I do own a steel company after all. I can manipulate metal in the most interesting ways. When you're finished, call me and I'll help you out.”
Savannah reached out for one of the rails and balanced herself, Hex let go. She hated to admit it, but she missed his warmth and the steady rhythm of his hands upon her body. Stop it! She needed to stay alert and focused--not drooling over him. She was still angry with him…though not as much.
When he was sure she could manage without falling, he left.
She nearly wanted to cry, but choked back the emotion. Cracking under the sweet pressure of his gesture was not an option, but he definitely knew how to work her. After relieving herself, Savannah hopped over to the sink and washed her hands.
Hex must be waiting for her because he knocked on the door, “Savannah?” Reaching for the towel, she dried her hands. “Come in.”
He opened the door…and she never tired of seeing him. Maybe only minutes passed, but he always looked incredibly good until her insides wanted to burst in pleasure. He simply walked forward, gathered her up in his arms and walked out of the bathroom with her as if the action were an everyday occurrence. The action so natural, Savannah…loved it. He radiate
d such warmth and security within his arms. Tempting? Completely.
He laid her upon the bed and she was able to see the room in its entire splendor; modern, sleek and elegant with a four-poster bed inside clean lines and black matte finish. A white comforter, white sheets with piles of multi colored pillows aligned the headboard with a huge flat screen TV and stereo across the room. Double doors off the side, led out to a balcony…it was roomy, spacious and obviously his room. The thought of being here made her insides shake—jittery and heated.
Hex settled her on the bed, careful to prop her ankle and then covered her with the comforter. Annabelle appeared with a tray of food--steamy bowl of chicken and dumplings and a mango, which she laid over her lap.
“If you need anything, sweetheart, just tell Mr. Montgomery,” the housekeeper said with a smile and left, closing the door softly on her way out.
He sat on the side of the bed and promptly picked up the mango, slicing it in half, preparing it for her.
Hesitantly, Savannah picked up her spoon, eyeing him. “Aren’t you eating?”
He smiled, but didn’t look up at her, “I already ate, princess…while you were sleeping.”
The vulnerability of him watching her while she slept made her cheeks flush and her heart zing from such exposure. She couldn’t allow herself to think about how he cracked down her defenses with sweet thoughtfulness. She couldn’t even summon up a good ‘damn the man’ she so wanted to mentally hurl at him. He may have tormented her with his ultimatum to move into his house, but his tender care unraveled her by every aching degree. God save her from her biker god.
Her first bite of the delicious chicken and dumplings was like manna from heaven and she finished every bite, more starved than she realized. She skipped lunch and refused the so-called hospital food offered earlier.
After Hex prepared her mango, he didn’t linger to watch her; rather he went over to the TV. “I rented a few movies for you. I didn’t know what you preferred so…I picked up a vast assortment.”
“And by vast assortment, that would be?”
“Twenty or so.”
Mirth bubbled up through her stomach and she chuckled, “Well, I know what I’ll be doing the next few days.”
He grinned in response, but he couldn’t analyze why the sound of her laughter made him so happy. “So, what’s your pleasure? Action, horror, comedy? Romance?” He held up several movies fanned within his palm.
Yeah, he probably hadn’t even realized he said…romance. So, she went with the safest and her favorite. “Action.” She downed the last bit of mango and drank the glass of water.
Hex removed the tray, setting it on a nearby table, and climbed up on the bed beside her. But, he didn’t touch her—he just maneuvered the controls and began the movie. The film was good, one she had been dying to see, but hadn’t had the time or nerves to watch. Yet, out of her peripheral vision, she snuck glances at Hex instead of paying attention.
He looked damn good, her inner hussy vigorously nodded in agreement, licking her lips.
Still in his jeans and black t-shirt, no shoes or socks…he excited her awareness and the man was beautiful. The hard cords of his muscles pulled taunt under his t-shirt screaming the lithe power which exuded from him…not to mention the musky scent of his skin so close to hers. The lure of his body was more intoxicating than the high-powered action movie, making her heart thump strong but she tried hard to pay attention. She scooted down more in the bed, relishing his sleek proximity tempted into drowsiness by the lull of his presence.
He swooped in and gathered her into the shelter of his arms, pulling her close. Savannah sighed and snuggled closer to him, her head resting upon his shoulder until the movie finished. The only movement he made was to switch off the TV by remote, settling against the pillows with intent to stay.
“Please don’t leave me a note,” she whispered sleepily, moving her hand to rest against the hypnotic rhythm of his heart.
His arms tightened around her briefly, “I won’t princess. Just sleep.”
She couldn’t be sure, but she thought she felt his lips brush her forehead right before she fell asleep.
Chapter Ten
Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell. ~ Joan Crawford
Awake for the last few hours, Hex held Savannah snug against him and they hadn’t moved as far as he could tell…the whole night. Somehow he…liked it…he liked it more than he was willing to admit.
He hadn’t slept with a woman for the sake of sleeping since Jessica. His finer moments in the sack were for the sexier bits and not anything further. Yet…right now, with her so tight up against him—it felt right--comfortable and ‘oh so’ cozy.
A snaking feeling choked his throat when he compared both times in his life. The woman in his arms was not like Jessica…at all. She could be a diva if she wanted, but her deeper understanding evened out her more girly moments. Hell, she could hang with construction workers and not even bat an eyelash or protest she broke a nail. She understood his world—fit.
Last night he had over twenty movies to choose from and she picked an action movie—just what he liked. Jessica would have wanted the romantic comedy and made him suffer through her endless commentary…but not Savannah. Not a word. He didn’t have a ‘no talking’ sign posted during a movie, but it was distracting if someone chatted…but not Savannah.
Yet…he felt guilty.
He basically forced her to come to his home and though she had initially protested, she gave in. That unnerved his sense of right and wrong—he should have been more chivalrous, but frankly, he didn’t have many chivalrous bones left in his body. Jessica shattered them.
At the hospital, the thought of something happening to his baby threw him into panic mode and he was unwilling to waver on Savannah’s whereabouts. His trust…or lack thereof…came at a high price. Yep, he was moron he knew…but his fear suffocated him far more than his willingness to be a better man.
Okay, he was determined to be a better man towards her—because she didn’t deserve his insulting bad attitude that had nothing whatsoever to do with her.
Priority one…become Savannah’s friend and work towards trust.
Priority two…find the right moment to kiss the breath out of her body….because he had no idea how to hide the stiff erection pushing up against his jeans. Frankly, she was sexy as hell and he wasn’t a saint. If not…he needed a cold shower…and soon.
~~~
Nausea rolled through her, dragging Savannah out of the depths of the most heavenly, warm feeling, she groaned. Her hand went to her stomach and she shifted against the floating safe stability she was wrapped against.
“Savannah?”
Her eyes opened to mere slits and groaned again. “Bathroom. Oh god…”
Hex moved quickly, easing away from her and throwing back the covers, scooping her up in his arms, heading for the bathroom. He turned her fast, one arm holding her about the waist, while the other held her ponytail as she heaved into the toilet.
When she was done, she flushed—completely embarrassed. Hex reached around her and shut the lid before seating her. He grabbed a cloth--wet it, and then bent down to bathe her face with it coolness. His face was shuddered, more intent upon his task, which heightened her mortification—crimson reaching her entire face.
Humiliated. “Not the most graceful way to say good morning.”
“Shh,” he whispered cleansing her face and he stood up to toss the cloth in the hamper. He squat in front of her again and looked her in the eyes. “Does this happen everyday?”
Savannah shrugged, “No, not everyday. It’s unpredictable. Some days I just have nausea, others…” she trailed off, the intensity of his expression more than she could tolerate. He had a unique way of compounding her nerves into jelly and swishing her into desire—even after something so embarrassing.
“We should make an appointment with a doctor and take you as soon as pos
sible. Maybe the doctor will have some helpful recourse and make you more comfortable.”
She nodded, wishing the floor would open up to swallow her whole. Yeah, that would so helpful right now…especially since his closeness and kindness were eating away at her. Did the man have to look so damned gorgeous 24/7? Did nothing ruffle his feathers and shatter the model persona that followed him wherever he went? Other than his hair on the upside of sexy bedhead, which her hands ached to run through—Hex looked entirely wonderful. And here she sat, a recent vomit victim, reeking of nastiness and she was happy she hadn’t seen her reflection yet—sure it was revolting. The man just…held her head for her after all how stunning could she be?
“Can you bring my bag in? I want to wash up a little and change.”
A flicker of amusement lit his eyes, “You can take a shower if you like--there is a seat you can sit on. I’ll tape your ankle in plastic and off you go. I could even help…if you like.” His voice dripped silky and smooth, his blue eyes full of teasing promise.
Every cell of her body screamed a violent yes…and she flushed hot inside the delectable offer, even her inner hussy shimmied into a cat suit preparing to rumba. Her breathing sped up as she imagined him stroking more than cleanliness over her within the shower. She wanted him and ached to feel his strong hands across her skin. “As tempting as your offer is, I think I should fly solo.”
Hex smiled, thoroughly amused. “What if you fall? I’d never forgive myself, princess.”
“I’m sure I can manage,” she said dryly, but still his offer was more than tempting.
“Your loss, sweetness…” He threw her a cheeky wink before turning to leave, but he swung back to her.
“I’ll just be a minute.”
She released a breath she hadn’t even realized she had been holding. Damn. He was good at enticement and seduction. And he even made it easy for her…she had only to say yes. More fool her again. They were having a child together…why not indulge? Because the answer was plain and simple, she wanted his trust. More than that…she wanted his love. Both would take time and sexing it up in the shower didn’t necessarily mean either. Oh, god…what a nightmare.
